Laguna Seca trifecta: TRG going for three straight wins

Andrew Novich will have the perfect co-driver in the No. 68 with veteran Craig Stanton.

(PETALUMA, CA) – Laguna Seca, home of "The World Famous Corkscrew," one of the most notorious stretches of road course anywhere on the planet, is next up for The Racer's Group. It has almost become TRG's second home, especially when looking at the recent success there.

#66 TRG Porsche 911 GT3 Cup: Ben Keating, Damien Faulkner

Photo by: Oliver Petalver

On Saturday, the American Le Mans Series presented by Tequila Patron heads to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca with the nearby Petaluma, CA-based team looking for its third straight win in GTC class with its Porsche GT3 Cup entry.

After strong runs at Sebring and Long Beach that fell just short of victory, TRG couldn't ask for a better place to have the stars align for the rest of the season. Expectations are high, especially with the track so close to TRG headquarters, and the past two races there have proven that TRG knows what it takes to win in Monterey.

The now-familiar driver line-up of Ben Keating and Damien Faulkner will take the wheel of the Adobe Road Winery/Port Lavaca Auto Group/ViperExchange No. 66 Porsche GT3. Keating, who had a heroic run at Sebring starting the race with a triple-stint, will set the pace with hopes of echoing his teammates form of 2011 and 2012.

Faulkner, his co-driver, was one of the fastest in GTC at Long Beach three weeks ago, and has displayed incredible quickness every time he's been behind the wheel.

In the Adobe Road Winery/Bellissima No. 68 car, Andrew Novich will be making his ALMS debut. Novich, a California native, got his start in the Jetta TDI Cup, and has most recently been running in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Novich has shown incredible speed in races and is more than ready to make his first start in the American Le Mans Series.

Novich will have the perfect co-driver in the No. 68 with veteran Craig Stanton. Stanton has driven with TRG in both ALMS races this season, showcasing his quickness and experience. Stanton has driven for TRG in years past, but in 2013 has joined back up for the longer endurance races with Keating and Faulkner.

With two flawless runs over the last two years, TRG is a rare back-to-back winner in GTC. With a three-peat there for the taking, TRG is hoping to make a little history.

Damien Faulkner on Laguna Seca: "Everybody adores Laguna Seca. The track itself has just about every challenge a circuit could possibly muster. It's also situated in a very beautiful part of California. Furthermore, this race is a home race for TRG. They have owned this race the last couple of years.

I think we have a good package and driving with Ben also brings its benefits. He's really strong and serious about racing. This will be my fourth race at the track, and I'm aiming for my first victory there!"

Kevin Buckler on the track and the race: "Everyone loves Laguna Seca. What's not to love? The Monterey Peninsula is a truly magical place and this world class race track is one of my personal favorites. We have won in everything we have raced here and backing up our last two years success will be paramount. This driver lineup is strong, this is our home and our team is ready!"

Ben Keating on the importance of this race: "This race is extremely important for us. The GTC points battle is very tight and we need to make sure we are getting into the mix. We have not had our fair share of luck so far this season. I think we are due for a little. We want to win!"

Andrew Novich on driving with TRG: "I've been talking with Kevin for a while about putting a deal together and getting me into a GTC car. After several attempts, finally all of the pieces are coming together. I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity TRG is giving me by welcoming me into their racing family.

I grew up watching this team racing in the Rolex 24, and to be able put those team overalls on, and to strap myself into one of their Porsche GT3s, I'm getting sweaty palms just thinking about it!"